These days, the amount of smog in the air is increasing. This is causing a lot of people to have breathing issues and a lot of them have congestion issues. Persistent coughing can build up mucus in the chest and it gets blocked.

According to the ENT specialist in Islamabad, inflammation and buildup of mucus in the chest can cause unpleasant symptoms like sleep difficulties, wheezing, and a sore throat. Congestion often occurs after a bad episode of coughing that brings phlegm with it. Having excess mucus occasionally in the chest is not a big concern, however, if this happens to you more often than usual, then it is alarming. 

There are some issues that actually cause the mucus to get caught up in the chest, these include;

• Acid Reflux

• Asthma 

• Chronic Bronchitis

• Cystic Fibrosis 

• Allergies

You can soothe the symptoms and get relief from mucus in the chest by following these ways:

1. Warm Fluids 

Hot drinks and beverages can be very helpful in immediate and sustained relief from mucus that is a buildup in the chest. If you keep yourself hydrated, it really helps in thinning the mucus and it gets easier to expel through coughing. 

Not only the thinning of mucus, but warm fluids also help in curing the other symptoms like wheezing, sneezing, nagging, chills, and sore throat. 

You can benefit from drinking:

• Green tea

• Luke Warm water

• Chicken Broth

• Decaffeinated Drinks 

2. Warm Water Steam

It is always greatly soothing to breathe in moist air that helps in loosening up the mucus and reducing coughing and the tightness in the chest. Use a steam vaporizer or a cool-mist humidifier to do so. 

People who feel difficulty in sleeping can use a humidifier at night and it can maximize the effects. Keep the windows open and doors closed.  For best results keep the humidifiers clean to stay away from the bacteria and other pathogens that make the symptoms worse and lead to infections.

Some other ways to increase the moisture in the air are: 

Inhaling Steam: Take a large bowl and fill it with hot water. Make yourself sit in a way that you are leaning over the bowl and put a towel over your head to hold the steam. Inhale slowly, so that you can loosen the mucus.  

Taking a warm bath: The warm water that is needed to take a shower or bath will fill the room with steam and this will help greatly in alleviating signs of congestion.  

3. Saltwater

Saltwater is proved to be working like a miracle. Mix a warm glass of water with half a teaspoon of salt. Take it in your mouth and gargle. Let it sit in the behind the throat briefly. This will help you get rid of the mucus and the phlegm that is accumulated in your throat. 

4. Honey

Honey is a very well-known home remedy. It has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Honey, especially buckwheat honey, is said to have miraculous results on upper respiratory tract infections. 

If you compare it to other medications and treatments, this one works the best. Honey is said to cure coughs in children as compared to medication which is less effective. 

It is normal to take 1 tablespoon of honey after every 3 to 4 hours a day until the symptoms are relieved. However, it is not suitable for children under the age of 12 months. 

5. Herbaceous Plants and Foods

Foods that are more suitable in curing coughs, colds, and buildup of mucus include: 

• Garlic

• Lemon

• Ginger

• Spices such as ground cayenne and other types of chili pepper.

Other foods to help you treat respiratory viruses that may be responsible for excess mucus: 

• Guava 

• Ginseng

• Berries

• Pomegranate

• Zinc

People who are on prescription medicine can speak to their doctor before trying new supplements. 

6. Essential Oils 

Some oils can help ease mucus and breathing in the chest. While others are seen to be hindering the way of bacteria growing in the respiratory pipes. 

• Rosemary

• Peppermint

• Tea Tree

• Thyme

• Cinnamon bark

• Oregano

Final Thoughts

If you have excess mucus in your chest for more than 3 days, you should be visiting your doctor in order to get cured completely. In case of congestion suddenly getting worse and yellow and green mucus do visit an ENT specialist to get rid of this nightmare of mucus stuck in the chest.